Men's Styling Guide
How to Prepare for Your Portrait Session
I'm so glad you've booked your session with me. Whether you're coming in for headshots, a personal branding session, or even personal portraits, this is going to be a relaxed, easy experience, and together we'll create images that reflect who you are, whether that's polished and professional, relaxed and approachable, or a mix of both.
A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to photography. This guide will help you feel confident, comfortable, and fully prepared so I can capture you looking and feeling like yourself, just a great version of it.
What to Wear to Your Session
The number one question I hear is: "What should I wear?"
My number one answer is always the same: wear clothing that reflects how you show up in your work and makes you feel comfortable in your own skin.
Your session may include one or two backdrops depending on which session you've booked. If you're coming in for Headshots, we'll focus on one clean, polished look. If you're in for Personal Branding, plan for two looks, maybe one polished and professional, one more relaxed and approachable, depending on what fits your work. Personal Portraits sessions are fully custom, so we'll talk through your looks together ahead of time.
Outfit Styles to Consider
Here are a few common style categories to help you plan your looks:
Professional — Choose something appropriate for an interview or important client meeting. A suit or sport coat with dress pants works beautifully. A jacket is always a good call, it gives us easy variety and a sharper line.
Business Casual — Less formal but still put together. Think a button-down or a quality knit layered under a blazer, or dress pants paired with a crisp shirt, no tie needed.
Casual — Relaxed and approachable. A well-fitting henley, a quality t-shirt, or a casual button-down, whatever reflects the more relaxed side of your work, if that fits how you show up.
Fit, Layers, and Collars
Choose fitted, tailored clothing. Fitted pieces photograph more flatteringly than loose or boxy clothing, which can add visual bulk. That said, comfort matters, so choose pieces that make you feel confident and can move in easily.
Bring layering pieces. A blazer, quarter-zip, or jacket is an easy way to change your look quickly without a full outfit change.
Collars matter. An open collar or a simple crew or v-neck under a jacket both photograph well. If you're wearing a tie, keep the knot clean and the length correct, it draws the eye straight to your face.
Sleeves are your friend. For professional looks especially, long sleeves or a jacket work best. Short sleeves are fine for casual looks but can draw attention away from your face if the rest of the outfit is very relaxed.
Accessories, Jewelry, and Shoes
Watches and rings are fine to wear, just avoid anything overly large or reflective that might catch the light and distract from your face.
Glasses are absolutely welcome. If you wear them daily, bring them, we want you to look like you. Anti-glare lenses help, but I can also work around reflections in studio.
Shoes — most Personal Branding sessions focus on headshots through three-quarter length, so shoes aren't usually the star of the show. If we do capture a full length image, a simple, well-kept pair that matches your outfit is all you need.
Choosing the Right Colors
Neutral studio backdrops make most colors look great. Here are a few guidelines:
Dark Colors — Navy, charcoal, and black are timeless, flattering, and slimming. Dark outfits work especially well for professional portraits.
Color — Most colors photograph well, just avoid very bright neon shades. A colored shirt under a jacket, or a solid sweater, adds personality without distraction.
Texture — Texture adds interest without distraction. Tweed, denim, waffle knit, and flannel all photograph beautifully.
Avoid Busy Patterns. Solid colors are best. Bold patterns and prints can pull attention away from your face. Avoid tight grids or small herringbone or houndstooth patterns, they can create visual distortion on camera. Thin stripes are fine.
Matching Your Outfit to Your Backdrop
I have several backdrops we work with in studio, and thinking about your outfit alongside your backdrop choice can help everything come together beautifully.
Medium Gray — A true neutral that works with almost anything. Navy, charcoal, black, white, and most colors all look great against it.
Dark Truffle — A warm, moody backdrop. Camel, olive, and deep tones like burgundy or forest green look rich here. Black also looks great.
White — Clean and bright. Color really pops against it, and black creates striking contrast.
Light Stone Canvas — Warm and textured. Earthy, muted tones and classic professional pieces feel right at home here.
Dark Traditional Textured Canvas — Rich and dramatic. Deep jewel tones, black, navy, and burgundy look beautiful. Skip patterns, they can get lost in the texture.
If you're not sure which backdrop suits your outfit best, just bring what you have and we'll figure out the pairing together on session day.
Props That Tell Your Story
Props are a simple way to add context and personality to your images. Think about what represents the work you do or the story you want your images to tell.
A laptop or tablet, if you work at a computer
A notebook or pen, if you're often taking notes or planning
Your own product or tools, if you build or sell something physical
A coffee mug, for a warmer, more approachable feel
Tools specific to your trade, whatever you'd naturally have in hand at work
Bring one or two props that feel true to you, rather than everything you can think of. A prop should support the story, not distract from it.
Grooming and Prep
Haircuts should be done at least a week before your session, not the day before. Fresh haircuts can look a little too sharp on camera and settle in nicely after a few days.
Facial hair — if you're planning to trim, shape, or shave, do it a day or two before rather than the morning of, so any redness or razor irritation has time to calm down.
Skin — a little prep goes a long way. If shine is a concern, a light dusting of translucent powder before we start can help, and I always keep some on hand in studio.
Don't stress about blemishes or skin flare-ups, professional retouching will take care of it.
Final Prep Checklist
Moisturize your face the morning of your session
Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to it
Get a good night's sleep
Trim or clean up brows if that's something you maintain
Trim your nails, and keep them clean
What to Bring to Your Session
Any clothing or accessories we discussed during your consultation
Any personal props you'd like included
A comfortable top layer if you're driving or walking here, something easy to take on and off without messing up your hair or collar
Please read over my Studio Policies, and my Portrait Session Contract for further details.
I hope this guide has helped you feel ready. If you want a second opinion on your clothing choices, or if you have questions about what to bring, or anything else, just get in touch. I can't wait to photograph you!